Day 46: Cats and Dogs
by ashleighpenrod
I started a super cool new contract position at a creative agency yesterday, and will be spending the next few months learning more about cats than I ever dreamed I would know.
Yes, cats.
In the process, I’m sure I’ll learn a bit about dogs, too—but mostly cats. In perusing the brand voice files yesterday to learn more about a particular cat and dog food company, I came across a really interesting chart about the differences between cat and dog pet owners, and how they view their relationships with their animals.
Which made me curious about the differences between my cat and dog-owning friends.
If you have a cat or a dog, why did you choose the animal you chose? And how do you view your pretty pet? As a friend? A child? A sibling? What were you looking for when you found and/or adopted him or her?
I realize the relationship distinctions above require thinking of your animal in human terms; but thinking in human terms is how we make sense of all of our relationships, so it’s not that strange. I freely admit that I view Brian Boitano as my independent roommate (except when he needs food or clean water—then, he’s my little buddy). He’s my company when I come home and he is decidedly not warm or snuggly.
If my lifestyle supported a furry friend, I always imagined I’d run around with a dog. But with all the interesting things I’m learning about felines, I can no longer be sure. I’ll have to discuss it with my new four-legged co-worker, Waffles (pictured).
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I didn’t choose my cats; they literally chose me. My oldest cat was a stray who one day ran into my house when I opened my front door. Prior to that day, I had never seen her before. My other cat was a stray who lived under my porch and she, too, eventually decided to move inside. Cats make pretty awesome pets – they’re affectionate and playful and low maintenance.
I like dogs too and I’d eventually like to get one. My lifestyle is such that having a dog now would not be fair to the animal; dogs like routine and they need to be let outside regularly; I’m often out of the house until late. So for now I’m sticking with my pet cats, degus, chipmunk and squirrel.
A very happy family!
I definitely see (and treat) my cats as my children. Cats are pretty easy to own because they are so independent. They don’t have to do their business outside, don’t require walks, and truthfully my cats wouldn’t care if I was gone for two days as they have automatic feeders. I love dogs and would love to have a dog one day, when I feel ready for the responsibility. We have done a lot of dog-sitting over the years and I always find myself being glad the situations are temporary. (Something about walks before dawn and in the rain and the snow.) I don’t know what I’d do if you suddenly turn pro-cat but congrats on the gig!
One thing I’ve been learning more about is leash walking for cats. Apparently they love it and it’s a safe way for them to explore the outdoors. If my possible future cat could go for walks with me, I might just turn into a dog and cat person…
I think of my cats as pets, but if I had to classify based on a human relationship, friend would be the closest. I’m going to alienate or upset some people with this, but it drives me nuts when people call their pets their children or “babies.” I love my cats, but there’s no way an animal can compare to a child. The amount of responsibility, care, and emotion between parent and child immensely surpasses that required or experienced with a pet. I also notice that most people who say this don’t have kids, so they likely have no idea how wrong the comparison is (I know I didn’t realize the extent until I had a baby).
Well said, mama. Yes, I imagine having an actual human being is hugely more amazing and difficult.